eMetals’ rock chip sampling to guide niobium, tantalum exploration

eMetals will soon have a better idea of the niobium and tantalum potential of its Beryl Well project in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region once its rock chip samples are assayed.

A recent desktop study of historical data with a specific focus on niobium and tantalum potential had uncovered high-grade rock chip samples collected by previous tenure holders in 2016.

eMetals (ASX:EMT) noted that the sampling along 500m of strike by Venus Metals had returned a top result of 42.8% niobium and 13.1% tantalum.

This prompted the company to carry out a field visit last week to appraise historical exploration including a revisit to its own drilling in 2021, locate areas of historical high-grade rock chip samples, and determine the possible spatial distribution of the anomalous zones.

It also took 10 rock chip samples on both previously tested and untested pegmatites in and around the Beryl Well project and towards possible northern extensions of the pegmatite swarm.

Numerous untested pegmatites were observed as well as possible niobium and tantalum rich “float” for which the source is unknown.

Results from the rock chip program are expected in about four weeks.

Beryl Well project

Beryl Well overlies the historical Nardoo & Morrissey Hill workings, which produced over a tonne of tantalum.

Numerous pegmatites are described in the area and mica, beryl and tantalo-columbite have all been mined in the past.

Previous high grade rock chips returned by the work of VMC are located to the north of the drilling completed and the recent field visit focused on this area to assess any further potential.

Once the results from the rock chip sampling is returned the company will evaluate the results and decide on the next phase of work.

This article was developed in collaboration with eMetals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.